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Key to Subfamilies of Formicidae in the Southeastern United States (based on workers)
(modified from Creighton (1950) and Bolton (1994)
Couplet 2
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2 (1). Gaster usually with a definite constriction between the first and second segments or mandibles long, linear, inserted in the middle of the anterior margin of head with 2 or 3 teeth present apically; sting present and usually conspicuous (figure 3)...couplet 3
2' Gaster without a constriction between the first and second segments; sting absent or extremely reduced, never visible externally (figure 4)...couplet 6
figure 3
Figure 3. (A) Lateral view of the gaster of Ponera sp. showing constriction between first and second segments and sting and (B) full face view of Odontomachus showing insertion points of mandibles.


Figure 4. Lateral view of the gaster of Formicinae showing the lack of a constriction between first and second segments and the lack of a sting.